The Equitable Party (TEP) leader Edwin Sifuna during the party unveiling on October 4, 2026.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been unveiled as the leader and presidential candidate of The Equitable Party (TEP), which he will use as his political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna was formally unveiled during an event in Nairobi on Sunday, October 4, where leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement backed his presidential ambitions.
However, TEP is not a newly registered political party. Records from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) show that The Equitable Party was registered on March 25, 2022, under certificate serial number 100. The party’s slogan is “Tusawazishe.”
The development therefore represents a restructuring and takeover of an existing political party rather than the registration of a new party.
TEP’s outgoing leader Gilbert Marava said the party had agreed to restructure its leadership to accommodate Sifuna and members of the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
“On our end, we have decided to restructure, and in the process, those who registered will stay, and we will bring in our brothers,” Marava said.
Under the new arrangement, Sifuna will lead the party and seek the presidency on its ticket in 2027.
Sifuna promises accountable leadership
Speaking during the unveiling, Sifuna pledged to lead with integrity, accountability and political decorum.
“I want to assure you that I will not let you down,” he said.
The Nairobi senator said the party would prioritise equal opportunities, consultation and people-centred leadership.
“We believe in equal opportunities for everyone in this nation. We will listen before we speak, consult before we decide and explain policies and account all our actions,” Sifuna stated.
He said the political platform belonged to its supporters and not to him alone.
“I have no capacity on my own to create a movement, it belongs to all of you who have chosen the path of change,” he said.
Sifuna acknowledged that the party did not have a “magic wand” capable of immediately solving Kenya’s problems but said it would provide a platform for citizens to raise their concerns through democratic institutions.
“TEP does not come with a magic wand that will wipe away all our problems but we intend to provide a platform through which these concerns can be heard through democratic institutions,” he said.
Economic proposals
Sifuna said the movement had assembled a team of experts to advise on economic and governance issues as it develops its agenda for the 2027 election.
He said the experts had examined ways of reducing what he described as budgeted corruption and using savings to address the cost of living.
“They say that if we deal decisively with budgeted corruption it is possible to do away with Housing Levy and VAT on fuel and electricity,” Sifuna said.
He added that the proposed interventions could have an immediate impact on the cost of living and unemployment.
Sifuna has also indicated that some details of the party’s manifesto will remain confidential for now, arguing that releasing its proposals too early could allow political opponents to adopt them.
TEP set for Linda Mwananchi rebranding
Although TEP is currently the party being used by Sifuna and his allies, the political outfit plans to change its name to Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Sifuna said the movement’s principals had agreed to pursue the rebranding in the coming days.
“So, in the coming days, and as has been resolved by the principals of Linda Mwananchi, we shall be seeking to rebrand this party, The Equitable Party, to the Linda Mwananchi Movement,” he said.
The proposed name change follows a legal battle over the reservation of the Linda Mwananchi name.
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal recently overturned the rejection of the name reservation, paving the way for the Registrar of Political Parties to approve its reservation. The approval, however, does not itself register Linda Mwananchi as a new political party; the movement is seeking to use the name through the rebranding of TEP.
Sifuna has warned that if further obstacles prevent the rebranding, TEP could retain its current identity and contest the 2027 election under the existing name.
“The party will continue with its present identity until the ballots are cast in 2027,” he said.
Leaders endorse Sifuna’s bid
Several leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi attended the Nairobi event and endorsed Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
They included Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Orengo expressed confidence in Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
“With Sifuna I have unqualified opinion that he is fit to be the President of Kenya and I will not change that position,” Orengo said.
The party’s current identity features green and yellow colours and a scales-of-justice symbol, with “Tusawazishe” as its slogan.
Kenyans interested in joining TEP have been directed to dial *509# and use party code 100.
Sifuna’s adoption of TEP gives the Linda Mwananchi Movement a registered political party through which it can organise its 2027 presidential campaign, while the proposed rebranding is expected to determine whether the outfit will eventually appear on the ballot as The Equitable Party or Linda Mwananchi Movement.
For now, TEP remains the legally registered party, while Linda Mwananchi Movement is the proposed new identity awaiting completion of the rebranding process.
